意味
Exactly as stated, taking words in their strict sense.
文化的背景
In French administration, 'au pied de la lettre' is often a source of frustration. Bureaucrats (les fonctionnaires) are sometimes mocked for following rules so literally that they lose sight of human logic. In Quebec, the expression is used identically, but you might also hear 'au pied de la lettre' in religious contexts more frequently due to the historical influence of the Catholic Church on language. Belgian French speakers use this phrase frequently in professional contexts, particularly in the complex legal environment of Brussels and the EU, where literal translation between languages is a constant challenge. The Swiss reputation for precision and punctuality aligns perfectly with 'suivre au pied de la lettre'. It is seen as a mark of reliability and 'sérieux'.
Pair it with 'Prendre'
90% of the time you use this phrase to describe a misunderstanding, you will use the verb 'prendre'. Memorize 'prendre au pied de la lettre' as a single block.
Don't use 'du mot'
Even though you are taking 'words' literally, never say 'au pied du mot'. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
意味
Exactly as stated, taking words in their strict sense.
Pair it with 'Prendre'
90% of the time you use this phrase to describe a misunderstanding, you will use the verb 'prendre'. Memorize 'prendre au pied de la lettre' as a single block.
Don't use 'du mot'
Even though you are taking 'words' literally, never say 'au pied du mot'. It's a common mistake for English speakers.
C1 Nuance
Use this phrase when you want to sound more sophisticated than just saying 'littéralement'. It shows you master French idioms.
The 'Second Degré'
French people love 'le second degré' (irony). If someone tells you 'Tu prends tout au pied de la lettre', it's a hint that you should look for a joke.
自分をテスト
Choisissez le verbe qui convient le mieux à l'expression.
Il est important de ______ les consignes de sécurité au pied de la lettre.
When talking about 'consignes' (instructions), 'suivre' (to follow) is the most natural verb.
Complétez la phrase avec les mots manquants.
Ne le prends pas au ____ de la ______, il faisait juste une blague.
The full expression is 'au pied de la lettre'.
Associez la phrase à la situation correspondante.
Phrase: 'Tu as pris mon sarcasme au pied de la lettre.'
Sarcasm is the opposite of literal meaning, so taking it 'au pied de la lettre' causes a misunderstanding.
Complétez le dialogue de manière logique.
A: 'Il a dit qu'il allait exploser de colère !' B: 'Ne t'inquiète pas, il ne faut pas...'
The person isn't literally going to explode, so you shouldn't take the statement literally.
🎉 スコア： /4
ビジュアル学習ツール
Au pied de la lettre vs. À la lettre
練習問題バンク
4 問題Il est important de ______ les consignes de sécurité au pied de la lettre.
When talking about 'consignes' (instructions), 'suivre' (to follow) is the most natural verb.
Ne le prends pas au ____ de la ______, il faisait juste une blague.
The full expression is 'au pied de la lettre'.
Phrase: 'Tu as pris mon sarcasme au pied de la lettre.'
Sarcasm is the opposite of literal meaning, so taking it 'au pied de la lettre' causes a misunderstanding.
A: 'Il a dit qu'il allait exploser de colère !' B: 'Ne t'inquiète pas, il ne faut pas...'
The person isn't literally going to explode, so you shouldn't take the statement literally.
🎉 スコア： /4
よくある質問
10 問It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or with your friends. It's very versatile.
No, the expression is fixed in the singular. It's always 'la lettre'.
The opposite would be 'au second degré' or 'de manière figurée'.
Historically, the 'foot' meant the base or foundation of the text, where the literal meaning resides.
Yes, 'traduire au pied de la lettre' means to translate word-for-word, which often results in bad translations!
Mostly, yes. But 'literally' is often used as an exaggeration (e.g., 'I literally died'), whereas 'au pied de la lettre' is almost always about actual interpretation.
In social settings, yes, it can imply you are a bit 'stiff' or boring. In technical settings, it's positive and means you are precise.
Yes, 'lire au pied de la lettre' means to read without looking for metaphors.
Very common. You will hear it in movies, news, and daily conversations.
'À la lettre' is usually for following a list or instructions perfectly. 'Au pied de la lettre' is for the meaning of words.
関連フレーズ
À la lettre
similarExactly, strictly.
Au premier degré
synonymLiterally, without irony.
Prendre pour argent comptant
similarTo believe something without question.
Sens propre
contrastLiteral meaning.
Sens figuré
contrastFigurative meaning.
